Bucks County H.O.G.

Presents:

The 14th. ANNUAL

COVERD BRIDGE

Poker Run

Check back for the 2009 date

This page is maintained as an archive of this signature B.C. Chapter event. Between pending schedules, we will present route courses, photos and notes of previous years events. The courses make for great tour guides of the scenic county and many covered bridges that this chapter is fortunate to be surrounded by.

Pennsylvania was said to have 1500 covered bridges at one time. Timothy Palmer built the first American covered bridge over the Schuylkill River at 30th Street in Philadelphia in 1800. The true reason for covering bridges was to extend the life of the bridge by protecting the side supporting timbers (not necessarily the floorboards) from exposure to the weather, thus lowering maintenance costs of the bridge (And, perhaps because the canopies looked like barns, cattle seemed to cross streams more readily over covered bridges).

By the 21st. century, about 200 covered bridges remain in Pennsylvania, the most in the country, of which Bucks County can boast a large concentration. Therefore, we have aptly themed our signature poker run around them.

Bridges of Bucks - A tour of the Covered Bridges.

Bucks County Detailed Map (includes covered bridges).

Previous Courses in PDF format:
2008 (Sunday, June 8).
2008 GPS (gpx format - right click and "Save Target As", to download)
2007 (Sunday, June 10).
2006 (Sunday, June 11).
2005 (Sunday, June 12).
2004 (Sunday, June 13).
2003 (Sunday, June 22).
2002 (Sunday, June 9).
2001 (Sunday, June 24).

The 2008 annual Covered Bridge Poker Run occurred Sunday June 8, under sunny, but unseasonably Hot, Hot, oppresive weather. So hot and humid that the National Weather Service was broadcasting regular warnings about the triple digit temperatures. There were 546 tickets sold. The route was 85.2 miles, and traveled through 5 covered bridges. Lots of food (too much in fact - leftovers going to the Red Cross shelter). Music provide by Tony B. Cash Prizes, door prizes, 50-50. Burlington won again for Best Represented Chapter. And if I hadn't already mentioned, it was HOT! (recap provided by "OnlyOneRolma".

2008 Bucks County H.O.G, Covered Bridge Poker Run collage courtesy of Expressions Photography. (Joel B. photo)

The 2007 annual Covered Bridge Poker Run occurred Sunday June 10. The weatherman promised glorious sunny and warm weather all week long. You know what that means ... temperatures were down near 70 and we were shadowed by clouds and an occasional sprinkle most of the day. The turnout was still a very respectable 674 participants though. This has truly become a major regional event! The route was 80ish miles with a good helping of Covered Bridges and more good helpings of catered food upon return to Brian's HD.

Welcome to the 2007 Bucks County H.O.G, Covered Bridge Poker Run!

You put the white thingies on your wrist and the white paper thing you give to the checkpoint volunteer when you drawl a card.

Rob McC. coordinates with Mike S, Asst. Director of Burlington HOG to facilitate registration of his huge following that attends our events each year. Thank you Burlington HOG for you continued support and we look forward to reciprocating on July 8.

The VanSant bridge looks as remote as it did a hundred years ago, but this photographer left before the official start time. Crowds back up so much at this bridge that the checkpoint volunteers ask players to stay on your bikes and they bring the cards to you.

Terry H. checks for drizzle. No worries Terry. It won't start for another 10 minutes. ;8)

The third checkpoint volunteers utilize the "grab bag" method of card distribution. The "Unknown Chauvinists" reaches in for a lucky card.

The crowd is still orderly at the fourth checkpoint, but remember, Burlington HOG is not far behind. Tom B. (hat) could always be counted on for Poker Run photos but after the crowd last year, he knows these are the final quiet moments of his day.

Joe H. is one of the first to finish. He must have been on his new crotch rocket (yes, Joe has crossed the line and is now a hybrid {half Harley - half sport bike} rider).

Upstairs John W. and Megan B. are serving up a fantastic lunch. Across the room Mary S. and Tom G. staff a second serving table that will be put to work when the other 600 participants start filing in.

The early returnees enjoy lunch with friends.

Back at check-in, oh well, I told you so, it was a line to the end of the parking lot, but another great Covered Bridge Poker Run!

I couldn't help noticing this couple. I do hope they bought one with a sidecar so she doesn't wrinkle her gown! :8)

The 2006 annual Covered Bridge Poker Run was an overwhelming success. Overwhelming may not go far enough to describe the attendance. The weather was great and the participation swelled from an average of 500, to 808 people! Volunteers were swamped, more forms had to be copied and additional food had to be ordered. There were literally lines at the checkpoints. Tom B., a checkpoint staffer who usually provides photos of the event, had time to snap only one picture. Are we complaining ... absolutely not! Thank you everyone for your support. Thanks to the volunteers for hanging in there.

Ah yes, by the sign Volunteers Rolma, Ken and Mouse are directing us to, it's time for the 2006 BCH Covered Bridge Poker Run. This would be their only idle moment though. They were soon to be overwhelmed by the largest turnout in Bucks HOG History! (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

Tom B. writes: The weather was perfect and estimates are, over 800 riders signed up for the ride. I did not have time to take any pictures. Bill and I were too busy, drawing cards and recording the results. Bud was handling access into and out of the park. The picture is of Mike and Amy the first to arrive at the Tohicken Valley Park. (Tom B. photo)

Tom B. regularly fills in for the Webmaster to capture photos. However, as mentioned above, he didn't have much time for photos this year. Fortunately Lloyd P. and his wife Pat came through with some awesome photos which perfectly capture the event. In this photo we see Tom B. along with Bill M. and Jeff H., before the crowd set in. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

"General" Jim S. and Kim M. (3rd & 4th from left) regularly volunteer at the Van Sant bridge. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

Veteran Rob McC gives some tips. He's probably telling them how the faced cards are mean people and should be discarded, that 2-of-a-kind or all of the same color is boring and shouldn't be sought, and how they want to try to get 21 to win. ;8) (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

The weather was perfect. Don't 'ya just love Pat's photography from the bike! (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

And of course riding through Covered Bridges is what this even is all about. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

Are we having fun yet? Yes, I think so! (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

CheckPoint 2 is waiting for you! (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

Jeff C., Michele, Ron B., John F., Pixie's daughter Ambyr D, and Pixie's Boyfriend Richie H.. (Donna "Pixie" D. photo)

Look at all the Harleys following the Buell (hmmmmm). (Donna "Pixie" D. photo)

Taking a break and ... (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

... comparing notes with your friends. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

The route even included some "urban" driving where citizens were understandably confused by the continuous string of bikes, all day. :8) (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

"Pixie" writes; Our entire riding group @ stop #4. Richie H, Pixie, Ron B, Ambyr D, John F., Michele, and Jeff C. (Donna "Pixie" D. photo)

Charlie U., Rolma and Ken S. during the "Calm before the Storm", at Check-In. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

It didn't end at Check-in as there was a great food buffet and entertainment to top off the day. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

"auto-photography" of Pat and Lloyd P. (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

From the deck at Brian's, it was Thumbs-Up to a GREAT day! (Lloyd/Pat P. photo)

On Sunday, June 12, 2005, Bucks County HOG hosted its Annual Covered Bridge Ride. Although many of us were holding our breath given the weather forecast, the day could not have been any better. Once again this year, we had a huge turnout with close to 600 participants. The first group of riders left Brian's shortly after 9:00 am and returned to Brian's around noon. It seemed like the last group had just left and the first group was returning. Moose and Steve I. did a great job marking the 66 mile ride (four Covered Bridges) the day before, including a detour to replace some defective materials. Feedback from participants said it was an enjoyable ride and even folks from Bucks County traveled on roads they did not know existed. Lindinger's, our preferred caterer, once again provided a lunch fit for hungry bikers. We had four 50/50 winners and Brian's generosity provided door prizes for six lucky winners.

June 12, 2005 was the 10th. annual Covered Bridge Poker Run. So many bikes this year they were lined up like a parade.

A crowd of eager participants surround the volunteers. (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

Pam S., "Only1Rolma", Rick S. and "Mouse" do their best to keep up with the crowd and even manage to keep 'em laughing.

It takes a lot of volunteer effort to pull off an event this big, whether it's directing traffic or handling those "without". (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

This year 97.5 "The Hawk" was broadcasting live, from Brian's HD. (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

I'll bet Dan is pointing out the fact that Judy and Denise are lucky that they won't have to cook hot dogs this day since there's a great catered meal upstairs. (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

Here's a trophy in the works. Once again Burlington HOG took the Best Participation award. Don't forget folks, always look for the group/club sign-in so Bucks HOG participation can be counted.

You'll never be confused by another clubs markings. Only BC HOG makes it this clear. (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

"Fletch", Ron & Bobby are ready for wheels-up. (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

What's the hold-up!? There's a line stretching way back from the check-point.

Aha, there's the problem, Joe "Black" and Bobby are hamming for the camera. Kim M. and Jim B. do their best to keep the rest moving.

Oh sure, it looks easy. You can smile and look pretty for the camera but you're about to be overwhelmed by a huge group of riders. "Captn. Win" appears to have forgotten where he put his score sheet.

I told you there was a huge throng of riders coming!

Same drill with Bill M. and Tom B. Don't get too comfy. "If you have cards, they will come". (Michael "Herkie65" H. photo)

Back at Brian's that great buffet is going. Did you notice the custom BC HOG aprons the servers were decked out in this year?

Hundreds of riders enjoy their lunch and Poker Run tales inside ...

... and outside on the deck, where the Andalusia Jug Band entertains.

WOW! What an wonderful day! And what an wonderful turn-out. There were in excess of 550 registrants for the 2004 Covered Bridge run. No doubt in response to temperatures in the seventies and bright sunshine but also the popularity of this ride grows each year.

This years ride not only started at Brian's HD, but it also ended there. What more fitting place than our sponsoring dealer with plenty of room to spread out and a great deck to party on.

June 13, 2004 was the annual Covered Bridge Poker Run. A tremendous crowd fills the parking lots at Brian's HD, partly in thanks to a great weekend of weather. (Joel B. photo)

This is the end of the line? Actually, this is the end where it wraps around and extends back up the other side!

Registration volunteers do their best to keep up with the throngs and in between printing more forms and ordering more food. (Joel B. photo)

Rob M. prepares to dispatch groups of riders. This years event required a full staff of traffic control volunteers. (Joel B. photos)

Bud P., Harold H., and Bill M., have no idea that 500+ riders are heading their way to abruptly interrupt their quiet, relaxed morning. (Tom B. photo)

Joe T., Jeff H., Kim M. and friend, some of the first riders to check-in at the first check-point. Tom B. writes; "Their reward for being the first, they got to help setup the checkpoint. Actually they are good guys and volunteered their help to setup the checkpoint." (Tom B. photo)

Check-point #1 at a quieter moment. Situated at Bucks Bounty restaurant, this site was quickly overwhelmed due to a parking lot that would have been sufficient only in previous years. (Tom B. photo)

One last check for the next turn before departing checkpoint #1. (Tom B. photos)

Check-point #2 at Tohickon Park had plenty of room for riders, but you're not going to avoid lines on this ever popular run.

Kim M. keeps the line moving at check-point #3, the Van Sant bridge, by providing "drive up" service!

Back at Brian's the lot is full. Joe "Black" and Dave H. see to traffic control. We're not sure which way Dave was directing us with that motion.

Rolma S. waves prospective winners down for that last card.

Tom P. adds a little flair to each helping of the scrumptious lunch buffet that this event is famous for.

And with Brian's new dealership, you could enjoy your lunch inside...

... or outside on the deck.

Rolma S. sent us some "couples photos". (Rolma S. photo)

Keep in mind, it was Rolma who sent me these photos and titled them "couples", including the one of Ken S. and "Purple Dave". (Rolma S. photo)

It goes without saying what "Moose" and the rest of the organizers and volunteers would be reflecting on at the end of this incredible days event.

The 2003 was created by Jim B., Kim M. and "Moose". "Moose" was pretty much the organizer of the entire event and even helped mark the route with Jack McC. using the unique pattern created last year. The route was marked the previous day (6/21) which was a task in itself considering this was the year of endless rain. The crew had to sit out several hours then return later in the day to complete the marking. Along with everything else, "Moose" also took out a group of the volunteers the previous Saturday (6/14) so they could enjoy the route in advance.

Rain had been predicted off and on through the weekend and we awoke Sunday morning to wet roads from the previous night and heavy overcast. However as the registration went on at Brian's between 9 and 11, the sun peeked through the clouds and the registrants kept on coming!

The rain held off through the ride and didn't return until the event was for the most part, over. Our meal was once again catered by Lindinger's Catering (North Wales, PA (215) 393-5277) and included; Meat Balls, Sausage & Peppers, Ziti w/sauce, Barbequed Chicken, and Hot Roast Beef along with a cold meat & cheese tray and of course, the usual salads and trimmings. Volunteers once again provided an assortment for the sweets table.

By 3:00pm, the last participants had left and volunteers had finished cleaning up. The weather could have been better but it could have been worse, we're not complaining. This October, BC H.O.G. will be following up with our "Fall Finders Run". We hope to see you then!

Some trivia facts about the run:
384 Participants
$360 50/50 winner
45 Volunteers
8 Door Prizes, 6 Trophies w/Gift Certificates
4 H.O.G. chapters
3 Breakdowns
2 Whiners demanding refunds (arrived late)
1 Law enforcement warning for marking the roadway

Sunday morning June 22, after a night of rain, not many appeared interested in a Poker Run.

That changed quickly as time went on and the sun started poking through the clouds, keeping registration volunteers busy. If you wanted a pin, you had better have arrived early!

In the meantime, volunteers were stocking the Haycock Fire House for the soon to be arriving participants. Compare this photo with one later, packed with bikes. (Rick B. photo)

Once the foods are in the chaffing trays, how about a prayer for good weather and a successful event. (Rick B. photo)

Jim B. and Kim M. staffed the first checkpoint at the Van Sant bridge.

The popularity of this event can be measured by the distance to the checkpoint! (Jack McC. photo)

You couldn't miss checkpoint #2 at Myers / Stover Mill Park.

Elaine and Lee K. staff checkpoint #2. Lee's there handing out cold water (MDA benefit) and surprising participants with some free pretzel snacks.

Hey, are Kayaks allowed in this game? Not to worry, he's only floating over near checkpoint #2 to use the lavatory. (Jack McC. photo)

Tom B., Harold H., Bud P., and Bill M. took care of checkpoint #3 which as the sign says, was at Tohickon Valley Park. Tom B. can't be seen behind the camera. (photo Tom B.)

I previously mistook the wrong photo as checkpoint #3's first "customer". That photo (inset) was instead, the only Indian they saw. This photo (I assumed was of Bud practicing his Tarot card reading), *IS* the first participant of the Poker Run. (photo Tom B.)

HOG is a family oriented organization and here's a family to prove it! Daughter rode on mom's bike and their son rode with dad. (photo Tom B.)

Capt'n Win and wife Darlene must be spoiled by Brian's new Drive-In service bay and thought checkpoint #3 offered "Drive in" card picking service? (photo Tom B.)

Participants enjoy one of the finest Covered Bridge routes. (Rick B. photo)

The parking lot at Haycock was literally full and riders were being directed to park across the street. One must cast an ever watchful eye, watchington for riders zooming up toward the parking lot.

Inside was no different with wall to wall bikers enjoying a Sunday afternoon of great fun and food.

Or you could pull a table outside and enjoy one of the better days we've had this year. (Jack McC. photo)

A line grows behind the final check in.

The family of four we saw at checkpoint #3 has finished their run. (Jack McC. photo)

A familiar volunteer is Diane T, Wayne & Penny B's mom who gets to ride when Penny has to work. Unfortunately (for Diane) Penny was off this year but she enjoys volunteering so much, she drove up herself!

Steve I. sifts through a tray, doing his best to satisfy this "troublemaker" who wanted a certain part of the pig they don't customarily serve. Sorry John, you'll just have to do without.

"Moose" is finally looking pretty relaxed now that it all worked out. In fact, he looks like he just wants to grab somebody.

Ahhhh, he found somebody to grab. Good choice! But "Moose", psssst, I think you better let Joanne get back to that line of hungry looking people.

Rich B. begins making award presentations. We couldn't keep up with them all but I believe the gent 2nd from left is taking "Best Represented Group" which was the Burlington Chapter. (Jack McC. photo)

. (Tom B. Photo)

. (Tom B. Photo)

DelMarva HOG made a club ride to our poker run, having rode up the night before during the worst of the weekend rain. Delmarva has been traveling some distances this year participating in other chapter's poker runs. (Rick B. photo)

Burlington HOG once again took the Best Represented chapter trophey. (Rick B. photo)

Suiting up for the wet ride home. (Rick B. photo)

Later that day, several BCH members met at Eorio's for some coffee. Joe and Terry H. model their "full body condoms" which double as rain-gear.

Following are some trivia facts of the 2002 run.

Trip: 91.8 miles
Bridges: Seven (covered)
Turns: Fifty-Six (and too many Twisties to count)
Bar & Shield Road Markings: 91
Time to mark road: 9 hours (four men)
Time (June 1 group took to ride): 3.07 hrs.
Moving Average: 31.2 mph

Total Ascent: 8268’
Total Descent: 7843’
Avg. Ascent: 92’
Avg. Descent: 97’
Max. Elevation: 660’
Min. Elevation: 39’

This years course was created by "Bald Jim" and wife Lorraine, "Fletch", Paul G., and "TJ". Dave J. supplied a pattern to create very cool Harley logos in place of the customary road markings and Bob B. provided the lime and orange chalk. "Fletch", "TJ", Richard K. and Jack Mc. did the actutal markings which is not as easy as it sounds. Imagine yourself standing in the middle traffic painting Harley symbols. It took these four men NINE hours just to mark this fine route. Jack Mc also donated disposable cameras for riders to save their memories.

On Saturday, June 1, “Fletch” led a group of 30 BC Hog Poker Run volunteers, for a special tour of this years route. Everyone had a fantastic time, certainly aided by awesome weather. This was truly the best route ever!

The splendid weather continued into the weekend of June 8 & 9. On Saturday the 8th., Rich B. led a group of bikes from both Long Island and BC H.O.G. to a couple of bridges not on this years Poker Run. Unfortunately the group became separated into two groups (Please everyone, familiarize yourselves with the Last Rider Rule) but each group managed to see a couple bridges and return to Brian's in time to enjoy a Barbeque dinner courtesy of our sponsoring dealer. Then at 6:30pm, the group rode to Bristol Bike Night.

For Sunday, the weatherman was promising partly cloudy with high heat & humidity but the hottest part held off long enough to really enjoy the ride. The first riders pulled into the Haycock Fire Hall around 12:15. In the meantime, tickets were going like hot cakes back at registration. Only 300 tickets were available (to insure enough food) but Treasurer Pam S. took a chance and let another 24 go before turning disappointed riders away. If you were one of the unfortunates, we are sorry and can only urge everyone to pre-register in the future.

At the Haycock Fire Hall we enjoyed a spread from Lindinger's Catering (North Wales, PA (215) 393-5277) which included; Meat Balls & Sausage, Ziti w/sauce, Fried Chicken, Barbeque Pork, and Hot Roast Beef. There was a cold meat & cheese tray and of course, the usual salads and trimmings. Volunteers also provided an assortment for the sweets table. There was a Tire Toss which didn't seem to draw much interest, however Rich B's Biker Bingo was quite popular. Biker Bingo you ask... simply Bingo played by a bunch of Biker's, of course.

By 5:30pm, the last participants had been gone for an hour and volunteers had finished cleaning up. Given how wonderful this years event was, next years organizers have a lot to do to surpass it (if possible) so you won't want to miss it. BUT, you don't have to wait. This October, BC H.O.G. will be following up with our "Fall Finders Run". BE THERE!

The 2001 Covered Bridge Poker Run followed several weeks of radical weather. Most of the early part of June involved isolated or scattered thunder storms, daily. The Indian Valley Poker Run the previous Sunday was a disaster due to surprise downpours which had followed devastating, deadly storms to Bucks and Montgomery county.

Club Director Don M. awoke at 4am and looking out his window, thought to himself this day looked no different than the past. Ominous clouds following the previous days thunder storms. The club had even arranged for extra food in order to quell any concerns that we would run short, all the more reason that Don's stomach was churning. However, as the morning evolved the heavy clouds lingered most of the day, but mother nature was kind to BC HOG and the sun was able to burn in and out of the clouds throughout an otherwise crisp, almost unseasonably cool, day.

The run (laid out by CJ) included two covered bridges this year with a total mileage (not including flood detours or any wrong turns) of 57.5 miles. A warning was posted at the sign-in of a pot hole on Rte 413. Shortly after departure, a large pothole was encountered on 413 just before the center of Langhorne. However, just before the turn off 413 onto Stump road was the mother of all potholes! No doubt the one that we were being warned of. The first bridge we're told had been under water just the week before (from the horrendous storms and flooding) and another diversion was later required to bypass another still flood damaged road.

At the Penndell Fire Hall, participants were welcomed to a very good meal of meatball and roast beef sandwiches, along with the customary cole slaw, potato and pasta salad and good friendship.

The award presentation commenced at 3pm, along with 50/50 and door prize drawings. By 3:30 it was over for another year. Congratulations to the award winners and a big thank you to everyone who volunteered not to mention everyone else who played and had fun since your registration contribution also goes toward a wonderful cause.

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